This document discusses an architectural education study at the 2nd International Scientific Conference on Applied Sciences and Engineering. The focus is on a design studio that explores the qualities of place and space in historical contexts, emphasizing the ethical responsibilities of architects towards cultural heritage. The case study centers on Sille, Turkey, illustrating its historical significance and the need for contextual design in a proposed cultural center.

1. Abstract of Applied Sciences and Engineering, 2015, Vol.2
DOI: 10.18488/journal.1001/2015.2/1001.2
2nd
International Scientific Conference on Applied
Sciences and Engineering
16-17 February, 2015
Movenpick Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel, Dubai
Conference Website: www.scihost.org
13
Paper ID: 452/15/2
nd
ISCASE
Architectural Language Based On ‘Place’: The Case of Sille
Emine YILDIZ KUYRUKÇU1
--- Zafer KUYRUKÇU2
1,2
Research Assistant, Selcuk University, Architecture Faculty, Department of Architecture,
Konya, Turkey
Abstract
The design studio is a medium of intense learning in architectural education. A learning
experiment that engages in critical practice, seeking to present values instead of mere
techniques, promoting investigative work rather than trying to bring exact definitions to
what must be, is typical of architectural studio education. The choice of a theme
around which to structure studio work is significant in this respect; themes define the
trajectory and act as filters of perception, thought and action, which the instructors and
students share throughout the design process. The theme of the studio exercise
presented in this paper consists of the comprehension of place and space qualities and
proposing new design in a historic context. While this theme directed learning of
pertinent design vocabulary and concepts, it also required that students should
develop an ethical approach based on the sense of responsibility towards delicate
environments possessing cultural heritage. The aim of this study is to make the
architect candidates do the investigation related to the “place”, and live the experience
of using the properties unique for the place as design criteria. Konya-Sille, which for
some people it is a Byzantium village, for some other it is a Central Anatolian
settlement dated to very old periods, where either Byzantines or Turks, as being
Orthodox Christian and Muslim, lived together. Sille, with it’s economic potential, has
became one of the most important economic centers of Konya and it’s environment.
Sille, which is known a very important centre up to the end of 19 Century, fell into a
declining period at the end of that century, and accelerated its speed during the Post
Exchanging period realized together with Lozan Agreement, and reached to the 21
Century. The design problem is determined as “cultural center” in this area where is
under conservation and has a unique traditional texture. In this study about a studio
experience; the process of the discussions on culture, history, religion, texture,
tradition, originality, continuity concepts upon context/place and new design realization
in an existing texture in the direction of these concepts are explained.
Keywords: Architectural education, contextual design, cultural continuity, sille